Middle English Dictionary Entry
dēmū̆ren v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | dēmū̆ren v.(1) Also demeoren, demẹ̄ren. |
| Etymology | OF demur-, demuer-, stem variants of demor-er. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To linger, delay; demur; (b) to remain (in office); fig. remain (in age or virtue); (c) ?to retain (sth.), keep.
Associated quotations
a
- c1230(?a1200) *Ancr.(Corp-C 402)65a : Ȝef ich hihi forðward, demeori [Nero: demeore; Cleo: abide] ȝe þe lengre.
- a1425 KAlex.(LinI 150)6015 : He nul nouȝt þat ȝe demere, No þat his no þyn no dere.
b
- (1444) RParl.5.108 : That no Shirreff shuld demure ne abyde in his Office overe one yere, and thanne that an other covenable and sufficiaunt man shuld be ordeyned in his place.
- a1500 Rule Minoresses (Bod 585)84/12 : Soche algatis be sent whoche been honeste & demurid in vertues & in age.
c
- (1416) Ordin.Gregge in Hadley Hist.Kingston746 : Yay wylle and ordayne yat ye sayd 14 d. and alle othyr godes gyven to sayd Maysendew..shal remayne to the common profyte of ye same place, to be demeryd [?read: demenyd] by ye avyse of ye most dyscrite person.